The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The awards, which celebrate excellence in sports and adventure, included the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards-2024, Dronacharya Awards-2024, Arjuna Awards-2024, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards-2023, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar-2024, and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy-2024.
Paralympian H. Hokato Sema Honored with Arjuna Award 2024
Among the most inspirational moments of the ceremony was the recognition of Shri H. Hokato Sema from Nagaland, who received the Arjuna Award 2024 for his exceptional achievements in Para Athletics. Shri Sema’s journey is a powerful testament to courage and determination.
In 2002, during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Sema tragically lost his left leg in a landmine blast. However, he refused to let this life-altering event define him. Through sheer grit and perseverance, he rose to become one of India’s most outstanding para-athletes, inspiring countless individuals across the nation.
Achievements of Shri H. Hokato Sema
- Bronze Medal in Men’s Shot Put (F57) at the Paralympic Games 2024, held in Paris, France.
- Bronze Medal in Men’s Shot Put (F57) at the Asian Para Games 2023, held in Hangzhou, China.
Speaking at the event, President Murmu commended the sportsmen and sportswomen for their resilience and unwavering spirit. She remarked, “The journey of para-athletes from adversity to triumph is a beacon of hope not just for the sporting community but for the entire nation. Their stories remind us that no challenge is insurmountable with courage and dedication.”
The Sports and Adventure Awards ceremony concluded with heartfelt applause for all the awardees, as their stories of determination and excellence left a lasting impact on the audience.